System and Method for Generating Amorphous Dynamic Display Icons

ABSTRACT

A system and method for generating amorphous randomized and/or fuzzy logic dynamic display icons that visually communicate to its users and/or entities that a subject&#39;s geographic location is being obfuscated on a graphical mapping interface of the user&#39;s computing device by way of continuously generating a dynamic location display icon having amorphous and/or asymmetrical shape, size, position, color, opacity, outline, movement, and/or transformation rate, and displaying the generated dynamic display icon on the graphical mapping interface.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/039,959, filed on Sep. 30, 2020, and entitled “System andMethod for Generating Dynamic Display Icons” (issued as U.S. Pat. No.11,337,177 on May 17, 2022), which claims the benefit of priority under35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/082,361filed on Sep. 23, 2020 and entitled “System and Method for GeneratingDynamic Display Icons,” the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference into this disclosure as if set forth fullyherein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION I. Field of the Invention

The field of the invention generally relates to geolocation data beingrepresented by an icon on a geographical mapping interface and, inparticular, to the visual communication of obfuscated geolocation databy a continuously generated amorphous and/or asymmetrical mappingdisplay icon.

II. Discussion of the Prior Art

Location geographic data (or geolocation data) of users and/or entitiesis an area of technology that is continuing to grow in size anddimension across data systems and devices worldwide. As a result, theneed to exchange, transfer, and or share this data is equally expandingdue to social and or business demands. The use of global positioningsystem (GPS) enabled devices has made geolocation easy, useful, andnearly ubiquitous. Among its uses is the ability for a user to pinpointhis or her location on a graphical mapping interface (GMI) of choice(e.g., Apple Maps, Google Maps, Yelp, or any other application having aGMI component), or find directions to a known address. The GPStechnology not only allows a user to know his/her own location, but alsomay effectively broadcast that location to anyone with the ability toreceive it.

However, there are many instances in which a person or entity may notwant to broadcast its precise GPS location. For example, the sharing ofprecise location data is not a requirement for many business and/orsocial situations. Additionally, the practice may pose many undue risksto individuals. For example, many people around the globe carryGPS-enabled devices (e.g., smart phone, smart watch, tablet computer,etc.) on their person daily. Having precise location data broadcast toanyone who wants it can be very unsettling, if not downright dangerous.Attempts have been made in the art to solve this problem via cloaking,blurring, and or obfuscation systems and or methods.

Without exception, these attempts have focused primarily onrandomization algorithms of the broadcast location data directly. Forexample, these systems and or methods proceed to ultimately deliver thedata for viewing by third parties by way of an off-set, blurred oroversized display icon on a graphical mapping interface, whichessentially displays a false location to the user, without indicating itis a false location (blurring notwithstanding). However, humans ofteninbound information more rapidly through graphic shapes and or images,which is the reason GMI's are more useful than data alone. Thus, theviewer of the obfuscated location data may erroneously believe thesender's location to be in a certain place when the sender is in factnot there. In many instances this is either harmless or even theintended result, however it is not without its own danger (e.g. a personlost or separated from another individual or group and withoutcommunication ability being unable to locate the other member(s) oftheir party).

While these approaches do mitigate the risks associated with sharingprecise location data (e.g., by displaying a false location), they failto intuitively and or visually communicate to its audience thatgeo-location cloaking or obfuscation techniques are in use on itssubjects. Off-setting or oversizing icons do not visually communicate tothe viewer that the subject is not in the center because it is standardpractice to do so; moreover, presenting something as unclear and or notsharply defined “blurring” suffers from same problem but now introduceseye strain.

There is a need in the art for a dynamic display icon that is clearlydefined in shape and or shape boundaries and opacity clarity butrandomly and continuously transforms in shape, size, dimension, and/orsymmetry, which may visually reflect the behavior and/or nature ofgeo-location cloaking and/or obfuscation so that its audience (e.g. auser) can visually understand what is taking place. Visual communicationcan be clear, even when the subject's location does not need to be.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for generating randomizedand/or fuzzy logic dynamic display icons that visually communicate tousers and/or entities that a subject's geographic location is beingobfuscated on a graphical mapping interface on the user's computingdevice (e.g., desktop computer, laptop computer, smart phone, tabletcomputer, and the like) by way of amorphous and/or asymmetrical shape,size, position, color, opacity, outline, movement, and/or transformationrate. For example, implementations of the disclosed methods and systemsare envisioned to receive a subject's obfuscated location coordinates,render a dynamic icon having an amorphous and/or asymmetrical shape,size, position, color, opacity, outline, movement, and/or transformationrate, and display the rendered dynamic icon on a graphical mappinginterface (GMI) on the user's computing device.

By way of example, the system may include an icon-generating softwareapplication (“app”) that is operable to utilize features of thecomputing device, such as a GMI, display screen, etc., to clearlyindicate to a user that the subject's geolocation is obfuscated, e.g.,by overlaying a new, dynamic location icon rendered by the app onto aGMI interface currently in use by the user (e.g., Apple Maps, GoogleMaps, Yelp, etc.).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many advantages of the present invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art with a reading of this specification in conjunctionwith the attached drawings, wherein like reference numerals are appliedto like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of an icon rendering systemaccording to one aspect of the disclosure, including a computing device,software application, and graphical mapping display interface on which auser and/or entity may view obfuscated locations, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an example process for reportinglocation information, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example network environment inwhich location coordinates may be provided for an entity, according tosome embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dynamic amorphousand/or asymmetrical shape, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another example of a dynamic amorphousand/or asymmetrical shape, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of a dynamic amorphousand/or asymmetrical shape, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of a dynamic amorphousand/or asymmetrical shape, according to some embodiments; and

FIGS. 8 and 9 are block diagrams illustrating example computer systemswith which any of the devices and/or systems described herein may beimplemented, according to some embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In theinterest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation aredescribed in this specification. It will of course be appreciated thatin the development of any such actual embodiment, numerousimplementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve thedevelopers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related andbusiness-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation toanother. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effortmight be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routineundertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure. The system and method for generating dynamic displayicons disclosed herein boasts a variety of inventive features andcomponents that warrant patent protection, both individually and incombination.

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for generating randomizedand/or fuzzy logic dynamic display icons which visually communicate toits users and/or entities that a subject's geographic location is beingobfuscated on a graphical mapping interface on the user's computingdevice (e.g. desktop computer, laptop computer, smart phone, tabletcomputer, and the like) by way of amorphous and/or asymmetrical shape,size, position, color, opacity, outline, movement, and/or transformationrate. For example, implementations of the disclosed methods and systemsare envisioned to receive a subject's obfuscated location coordinates,render a dynamic icon having an amorphous and/or asymmetrical shape,size, position, color, opacity, outline, movement, and/or transformationrate, and display the rendered dynamic icon on a graphical mappinginterface (GMI) on the user's computing device.

By way of example, the system may include an icon generating softwareapplication (“app”) that is operable to utilize features of thecomputing device, such as a GMI, display screen, etc., to clearlyindicate to a user that the subject's geolocation is obfuscated, e.g.,by overlaying a new, continuously-generated, dynamic, amorphous and/orasymmetrical location icon rendered by the app onto a GMI interfacecurrently in use by the user (e.g. Apple Maps, Google Maps, Yelp, etc.).

By way of example only, FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an iconrendering system 10 according to one aspect of the disclosure, includinga computing device 12, software application 14, and graphical mappingdisplay interface (GMI) 16 that a user and or entity may viewobfuscation locations, according to some embodiments. Generally, asubject's (or sender's) obfuscated location data 18 is received by thecomputing device 12 and recognized by the computing device 12 as beingobfuscated. The computing device 12 may then utilize the icon renderingsoftware app 14 to create (and continuously generate) an amorphousand/or asymmetric dynamic icon 20, which is displayed on the GMIinterface 16 to clearly indicate to the user the obfuscated generallocation of the subject.

By way of example only, the computing device 12 of the icon renderingsystem 10 includes a data processing unit 22, a display unit 24, and awireless communications unit 26. The data processing unit 22 of thecomputing device 12 includes a processor 28 to process data, a memoryunit 30 in communication with the processor 28 to store data, and aninput/output unit (I/O) 32 to interface the processor 28 and/or memory30 to other modules, units or devices of the computing device 12 orexternal devices. For example, the processor 28 can include a centralprocessing unit (CPU) or a microcontroller unit (MCU). For example, thememory 30 can include and store processor-executable code, which whenexecuted by the processor 28, configures the data processing unit 22 toperform various operations, e.g., such as receiving information,commands, and/or data, processing information and data, transmitting orproviding information/data to another device, rendering a dynamicdisplay icon 20, and displaying the rendered dynamic display icon 20 ona GMI 16. In some implementations, the data processing unit 22 cantransmit raw or processed data to a computer system or communicationnetwork accessible via the Internet (referred to as ‘the cloud’) thatincludes one or more remote computational processing devices (e.g.,servers in the cloud). To support various functions of the dataprocessing unit, the memory 30 can store information and data, such asinstructions, software, values, images, and other data processed orreferenced by the processor 28. For example, various types of RandomAccess Memory (RAM) devices, Read Only Memory (ROM) devices, FlashMemory devices, and other suitable storage media can be used toimplement storage functions of the memory unit 30. The I/O 32 of thedata processing unit 22 can interface the data processing unit 22 withthe wireless communications unit 26 to utilize various types of wired orwireless interfaces compatible with typical data communicationstandards, for example, which can be used in communications of the dataprocessing unit 22 with other devices via a wirelesstransmitter/receiver (Tx/Rx) unit, e.g., including, but not limited to,Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, Zigbee, IEEE 802.11, Wireless LocalArea Network (WLAN), Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN), WirelessWide Area Network (WWAN), WiMAX, IEEE 802.16 (WorldwideInteroper-ability for Microwave Access (WiMAX)), 3G/4G/LTE cellularcommunication methods, NFC (Near Field Communication), and parallelinterfaces. The I/O 32 of the data processing unit 22 can also interfacewith other external interfaces, sources of data storage, and/or visualor audio display devices, etc. to retrieve and transfer data andinformation that can be processed by the processor 28, stored in thememory unit 30, or exhibited on an output unit of the computing device12 or an external device. For example, a display unit 24 of thecomputing device 12 can be configured to be in data communication withthe data processing unit 22, e.g., via the I/O 32, to provide a visualdisplay, an audio display, and/or other sensory display that producesthe user interface (e.g., the GMI 16) of the icon rendering app 14. Insome examples, the display unit 24 can include various types of screendisplays, speakers, or printing interfaces, e.g., including but notlimited to, light emitting diode (LED), or liquid crystal display (LCD)monitor or screen, cathode ray tube (CRT) as a visual display; audiosignal transducer apparatuses as an audio display; and/or toner, liquidinkjet, solid ink, dye sublimation, inkless (e.g., such as thermal orUV) printing apparatuses, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary method 34 of rendering a dynamic displayicon 20 to visually communicate to the user of the subject's obfuscatedlocation data, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, thefirst step 36 of the method 34 is to receive (e.g., via the wirelesscommunications unit 26 of the computing device 12, through the network64 of FIG. 3) the obfuscated location coordinates for a subject (e.g.,individual or entity). The data processing unit 22 may then analyze thelocation coordinates and recognize that the coordinates are obfuscated.The data processing unit 22 then proceeds to the next step 38 of themethod 34, which is to generate one or more graphical shapes (e.g.,circles, squares, triangles, or any other suitable polygon).

In the next step 40 of the method 34, the data processing unit 22 mayapply animation transformation instructions that, when executed by theprocessor 28, randomize and/or apply fuzzy logic to various attributesof the graphical shapes generated in the previous step 38, the rate andrange of transformation 42 of the various attributes, and the shapeintersection behavior 44 (e.g., how the shapes move relative to oneanother). By way of example, the various attributes of the graphicalshapes that are randomized include but are not limited to shape 46,position 48, size 50, outline 52, color 54, and opacity 56. Theseattributes may be randomized in combinations that are independent,mutual, exclusive, and/or mutually exclusive of one another.

In some embodiments, after applying the animation transformationinstructions of the previous step, the data processing unit 22 may thenproceed to the next step 58 of the method 34, which is to determine ifthe icon is dynamic and/or transforming with enough random and/or fuzzylogic behavior to generate an amorphous and/or asymmetrical shape orshapes, of clear boundaries and opacity. It should be noted that thedynamic icons 20 generated by a preferred embodiment of the method 34disclosed herein have clear, continuously moving boundaries, however insome embodiments of the method 34, the dynamic icons 20 may havecontinuously moving boundaries that are less clear, blurry, fuzzy, etc.

If the data processing unit 22 determines that the icon is dynamicand/or transforming with enough random and/or fuzzy logic behavior, thenthe computing device 12 will proceed to the final step 62 of the method34, which is to render the dynamic icon 20 and apply the rendereddynamic icon 20 as an overlay on various GMI that the user may be using.If the data processing unit 22 determines that the rendered dynamic icon20 is not dynamic and/or transforming with enough random and/or fuzzylogic behavior, then the computing device 12 will revert back to thethird step 40 of the method 34, which is to reapply the animationtransformation instructions, and proceed though the method 34 asdescribed above.

According to some embodiments, FIG. 3 illustrates an example network 64environment in which location coordinates may be provided for an entity.For example, a “cloud” environment 70 may be created by one or morenetwork servers 72 in communication with each other to transmit dataaround the globe. Various end-user computing devices, including laptopcomputers 74, desktop computers 76, workstations 78, personal digitalassistants 80, smart phones 82, tablet computers 84, and/or other GPSand network-enabled devices 86 are also in communication with the cloudand each other. Through this system (or something similar), geolocationdata may be transmitted from a subject sender's device to a userreceiver's device.

According to some embodiments, FIGS. 4-7 illustrate several examples ofan amorphous and/or asymmetrical shape that may be generated by the iconrendering app 14 during continuous generation of the dynamic icon 20,using the exemplary method described above. In some embodiments, asillustrated by way of example in FIG. 4, the icon rendering app 14 maycause the generation of a plurality of graphical shapes that overlap orintersect one another to form a larger amorphous and/or asymmetricalshape 66 having a continuous outer boundary. In some embodiments, asillustrated by way of example in FIGS. 5-7, one or more of the generatedgraphical shapes may be separated from the larger amorphous and/orasymmetrical shape 66 and form a standalone shape 68, for example invarious sizes such as small (FIG. 5), medium (FIG. 6), and large (FIG.7). It is important to note that the figures shown by way of exampleonly represent snapshots of a potential single moment in time of thecontinuous random generation of the dynamic display icon 20. Thus, inoperation the dynamic display icon 20 may visually morph between forms(e.g. single large amorphous and/or asymmetrical shape and largeamorphous and/or asymmetrical shape with one or more associatedstandalone shapes) that are presented to the user continuously and atrandom. In each instance, the dynamic display icon 20 of the preferredembodiment in any form has a clear boundary (or boundaries, in the caseof an amorphous shape with one or more associated standalone shapes) andopacity, although the location of the boundary, and degree of opacity(along with size, shape, position, color, transformation rate,transformation range, and/or shape intersection behavior) may becontinuously changing.

FIGS. 8-9 are example block diagrams of computer-implemented electronicdevices 100, 150 that may be used to implement the systems and methodsdescribed in this document, as either a client or as a server orplurality of servers. Computing device 100 is intended to representvarious forms of digital computers, such as laptops, desktops,workstations, personal digital assistants, servers, blade servers,mainframes, and other appropriate computers. Computing device 150 isintended to represent various forms of mobile devices, such as personaldigital assistants, cellular telephones, smart-phones, and other similarcomputing devices. In this example, computing device 150 may represent ahand-held computing device 12, while computing device 100 may representa physically larger system such as a stationary computer 12 and/orcomputing systems that serve as a cloud server. The components shownhere, their connections and relationships, and their functions, aremeant to be examples only, and are not meant to limit implementationsdescribed and/or claimed in this document.

Referring to FIG. 8, computing device 100 includes a processor 102,memory 104, a storage device 106, a high-speed interface 108 connectingto memory 104 and high-speed expansion ports 110, and a low speedinterface 112 connecting to low speed bus 114 and storage device 106.Each of the components 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, and 112 areinterconnected using various busses, and may be mounted on a commonmotherboard or in other manners as appropriate. The processor 102 canprocess instructions for execution within the computing device 100,including instructions stored in the memory 104 or on the storage device106 to display graphical information for a graphic user interface (GUI)on an external input/output device, such as display 116 coupled tohigh-speed interface 108. In other implementations, multiple processorsand/or multiple buses may be used, as appropriate, along with multiplememories and types of memory. For example, one or more graphicsprocessing units (GPUs) may be used to accelerate the creation of imagesfor display. Also, multiple computing devices 100 may be connected, witheach device providing portions of the necessary operations (e.g., as aserver bank, a group of blade servers, or a multi-processor system).

The memory 104 stores information within the computing device 100. Byway of example only, the memory 104 may be a volatile memory unit,non-volatile memory unit, or another form of computer-readable medium,such as a magnetic or optical disk (for example).

The storage device 106 is capable of providing mass storage for thecomputing device 100. In one implementation, the storage device 106 maybe or contain a computer-readable medium, such as a floppy disk device,a hard disk device, an optical disk device, or a tape device, a flashmemory or other similar solid state memory device, or an array ofdevices, including devices in a storage area network or otherconfigurations. A computer program product can be tangibly embodied inan information carrier. The computer program product may also containinstructions that, when executed, perform one or more methods, such asthose described above. The information carrier is a computer- ormachine-readable medium, such as the memory 104, the storage device 106,or memory on processor 102.

The high-speed interface 108 manages bandwidth-intensive operations forthe computing device 100, while the low speed interface 112 manageslower bandwidth-intensive operations. Such allocation of functions is byway of example only. In one implementation, the high-speed interface 108is coupled to memory 104, display 116 (e.g., through a graphicsprocessor or accelerator), and to high-speed expansion ports 110, whichmay accept various expansion cards (not shown). In the implementation,low-speed interface 112 is coupled to storage device 106 and low-speedexpansion port 114. The low-speed expansion port may include variouscommunication ports (e.g., USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet, wireless Ethernet)and may be coupled to one or more input/output devices, such as akeyboard 118, a printer 120, a scanner 122, or a networking device suchas a switch or router 124, e.g., through a network adapter.

The computing device 100 may be implemented in a number of differentforms. For example, it may be implemented as a standard server, ormultiple times in a group of such servers. It may also be implemented aspart of a rack server system. In addition, it may be implemented in apersonal computer such as a laptop computer. Alternatively, componentsfrom computing device 100 may be combined with other components in amobile device, such as device 150 (FIG. 9). Each of such devices maycontain one or more of computing device 100, 150, and an entire systemmay be made up of multiple computing devices 100, 150 communicating witheach other.

Referring to FIG. 9, computing device 150 includes a processor 152,memory 154, an input/output device such as a display 156, acommunication interface 158, and a transceiver 160, among othercomponents. The device 150 may also be provided with a storage device,such as a microdrive or other device, to provide additional storage. Thedevice 150 may further include one or more graphics processing units(GPUs) to accelerate the creation of images for display. Each of thecomponents 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, and 160 are interconnected usingvarious buses, and several of the components may be mounted on a commonmotherboard or in other manners as appropriate.

The processor 152 can execute instructions within the computing device150, including instructions stored in the memory 154. The processor maybe implemented as a chipset of chips that include separate and multipleanalog and digital processors. Additionally, the processor may beimplemented using any of a number of architectures.

For example, the processor 152 may be a CISC (Complex Instruction SetComputers) processor, a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer)processor, or a MISC (Minimal Instruction Set Computer) processor. Theprocessor may provide, for example, for coordination of the othercomponents of the device 150, such as control of user interfaces,applications run by device 150, and wireless communication by device150.

The processor 152 may communicate with a user through control interface162 and display interface 164 coupled to a display 156. The display 156may be, for example, a TFT (Thin-Film-Transistor Liquid Crystal Display)display or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display, or otherappropriate display technology. The display interface 164 may compriseappropriate circuitry for driving the display 156 to present graphicaland other information to a user. The control interface 162 may receivecommands from a user and convert them for submission to the processor152. In addition, an external interface 166 may be provided incommunication with processor 152, so as to enable near areacommunication of device 150 with other devices. External interface 166may provide, for example, for wired communication in someimplementations, or for wireless communication in other implementations,and multiple interfaces may also be used.

The memory 154 stores information within the computing device 150. Thememory 154 can be implemented as one or more of a computer-readablemedium or media, a volatile memory unit or units, or a non-volatilememory unit or units. Expansion memory 168 may also be provided andconnected to device 150 through expansion interface 170, which mayinclude, for example, a SIMM (Single In Line Memory Module) cardinterface. Such expansion memory 168 may provide extra storage space fordevice 150, or may also store applications or other information fordevice 150. Specifically, expansion memory 168 may include instructionsto carry out or supplement the processes described above, and mayinclude secure information also. Thus, for example, expansion memory 168may be provided as a security module for device 150, and may beprogrammed with instructions that permit secure use of device 150. Inaddition, secure applications may be provided via the SIMM cards, alongwith additional information, such as placing identifying information onthe SIMM card in a non-hackable manner.

The memory may include, for example, flash memory and/or NVRAM memory,as discussed below. In one implementation, a computer program product istangibly embodied in an information carrier. The computer programproduct contains instructions that, when executed, cause performance ofone or more methods, such as those described above. The informationcarrier is a computer- or machine-readable medium, such as the memory154, expansion memory 168, or memory on processor 152 that may bereceived, for example, over transceiver 160 or external interface 166.

Device 150 may communicate wirelessly through communication interface158, which may include digital signal processing circuitry wherenecessary. Communication interface 158 may provide for communicationsunder various modes or protocols, such as GSM voice calls, SMS, EMS, orMMS messaging, CDMA, TDMA, PDC, WCDMA, CDMA6000, or GPRS, among others.Such communication may occur, for example, through radio-frequencytransceiver 160. In addition, short-range communication may occur, suchas using a Bluetooth, WiFi, or other such transceiver (not shown). Inaddition, GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver module 172 mayprovide additional navigation- and location-related wireless data todevice 150, which may be used as appropriate by applications running ondevice 150.

Device 150 may also communicate audibly using audio codec 174, which mayreceive spoken information from a user and convert it to usable digitalinformation. Audio codec 174 may likewise generate audible sound for auser, such as through a speaker, e.g., in a handset of device 150. Suchsound may include sound from voice telephone calls, may include recordedsound (e.g., voice messages, music files, etc.) and may also includesound generated by applications operating on device 150.

The computing device 150 may be implemented in a number of differentforms, some of which are shown in the figure. For example, it may beimplemented as a cellular telephone. It may also be implemented as partof a smart-phone, personal digital assistant, or other similar mobiledevice.

Additionally computing device 100 or 150 can include Universal SerialBus (USB) flash drives. The USB flash drives may store operating systemsand other applications. The USB flash drives can include input/outputcomponents, such as a wireless transmitter or USB connector that may beinserted into a USB port of another computing device.

Various implementations of the systems and techniques described here canbe realized in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry,specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits),computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations thereof.These various implementations can include implementation in one or morecomputer programs that are executable and/or interpretable on aprogrammable system including at least one programmable processor, whichmay be special or general purpose, coupled to receive data andinstructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storagesystem, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

These computer programs (also known as programs, software, softwareapplications or code) include machine instructions for a programmableprocessor, and can be implemented in a high-level procedural and/orobject-oriented programming language, and/or in assembly/machinelanguage. As used herein, the terms “machine-readable medium” and“computer-readable medium” refer to any computer program product,apparatus and/or device (e.g., magnetic discs, optical disks, memory,Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructionsand/or data to a programmable processor.

To provide for interaction with a user, the systems and techniquesdescribed here can be implemented on a computer having a display device(e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor)for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointingdevice (e.g., a mouse or a trackball) by which the user can provideinput to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide forinteraction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to theuser can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback,auditory feedback, or tactile feedback); and input from the user can bereceived in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

The systems and techniques described here can be implemented in acomputing system that includes a back end component (e.g., as a dataserver), or that includes a middleware component (e.g., an applicationserver), or that includes a front end component (e.g., a client computerhaving a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a usercan interact with an implementation of the systems and techniquesdescribed here), or any combination of such back end, middleware, orfront end components. The components of the system can be interconnectedby any form or medium of digital data communication (e.g., acommunication network). Examples of communication networks include alocal area network (“LAN”), a wide area network (“WAN”), peer-to-peernetworks (having ad-hoc or static members), grid computinginfrastructures, and the Internet.

The computing system can include clients and servers. A client andserver are generally remote from each other and typically interactthrough a communication network. The relationship of client and serverarises by virtue of computer programs running on the respectivecomputers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

As additional disclosure to the embodiments described herein, thepresent disclosure describes the following embodiments.

Embodiment 1 is a computer program product embodied in a non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium on a user's computing device andcomprising computer instructions for: (a) recognizing geolocation dataof a subject received by the user's computing device as obfuscated; (b)generating a dynamic display icon configured to represent the obfuscatedgeolocation data and visually communicate to the user that thegeolocation data is obfuscated; and (c) displaying, on a display unit ofthe user's computing device, the generated dynamic display iconsuperimposed on a graphical mapping interface to communicate to the userthe obfuscated geolocation of the subject; wherein the dynamic displayicon is at least one of amorphous and asymmetrical.

Embodiment 2 is the computer program product of embodiment 1, whereingenerating the dynamic display icon comprises: (a) generating at leastone graphical shape; (b) applying at least one of randomization andfuzzy logic to at least one attribute of the at least one generatedgraphical shape to generate a dynamic display icon; (c) determining ifthe generated dynamic display icon is transforming with enoughrandomization or fuzzy logic behavior to continuously generate anamorphous and/or asymmetrical shape having a clear boundary and opacity;and (d) upon determination that the generated dynamic display icon istransforming with enough randomization or fuzzy logic behavior tocontinuously generate an amorphous and/or asymmetrical shape having aclear boundary and opacity, rendering the dynamic display icon fordisplay.

Embodiment 3 is the computer program product of embodiments 1 or 2,wherein the at least one attribute comprises at least one of shape,position, size, outline, color, opacity, transformation rate,transformation range, and shape intersection behavior.

Embodiment 4 is the computer program product of any of embodiments 1through 3, wherein the step of applying at least one of randomizationand fuzzy logic to at least one attribute of the at least one generatedgraphical shape to generate the dynamic display icon comprises applyingat least one of randomization and fuzzy logic to a plurality ofattributes of the at least one generated graphical shape to generate adynamic display icon.

Embodiment 5 is the computer program product of any of embodiments 1through 4, wherein the plurality of attributes comprises at least two ofshape, position, size, outline, color, opacity, transformation rate,transformation range, and shape intersection behavior.

Embodiment 6 is the computer program product of any of embodiments 1through 5, wherein the computer program product is embodied in a memoryunit of the user's computing device.

Embodiment 7 is the computer program product of any of embodiments 1through 6, wherein the dynamic display icon is continuously generated.

Embodiment 8 is the computer program product of any of embodiments 1through 7, wherein the user's computing device comprises a mobilecomputing device.

Embodiment 9 is the computer program product of any of embodiments 1through 8, wherein the mobile computing device comprises at least one ofa smart phone, tablet computer, and laptop computer.

Embodiment 10 is the computer program product of any of embodiments 1through 9, wherein the subject geolocation data is received by awireless communication unit of the user's computing device.

Embodiment 11 is the computer program product of any of embodiments 1through 10, wherein the step of generating at least one graphical shapecomprises generating a plurality of graphical shapes.

Embodiment 12 is the computer program product of any of embodiments 1through 11, wherein at least a portion of the generated plurality ofgraphical shapes intersect one another to form a larger amorphous and/orasymmetrical shape.

Embodiment 13 is the computer program product of any of embodiments 1through 12, wherein the amorphous and/or asymmetrical shape has acontinuous outer boundary.

Embodiment 14 is the computer program product of any of embodiments 1through 13, wherein at least a portion of the generated plurality ofgraphical shapes is separate from the larger amorphous and/orasymmetrical shape.

Embodiment 15 is a method for generating a dynamic display icon for usewith a graphical mapping interface, comprising: (a) recognizing receivedgeolocation data of a subject as obfuscated; (b) generating a dynamicdisplay icon configured to represent the obfuscated geolocation data andvisually communicate to a user that the geolocation data is obfuscated;and (c) displaying, on a display device, the generated dynamic displayicon superimposed on a graphical mapping interface to communicate to theuser the obfuscated geolocation of the subject; wherein the dynamicdisplay icon is at least one of amorphous and asymmetrical.

Embodiment 16 is the method of embodiment 15, wherein generating thedynamic display icon comprises: (a) generating at least one graphicalshape; (b) applying at least one of randomization and fuzzy logic to atleast one attribute of the at least one generated graphical shape togenerate the dynamic display icon; (c) determining if the generateddynamic display icon is transforming with enough randomization or fuzzylogic behavior to continuously generate an amorphous and/or asymmetricalshape having a clear boundary and opacity; and (d) upon determinationthat the generated dynamic display icon is transforming with enoughrandomization or fuzzy logic behavior to continuously generate anamorphous and/or asymmetrical shape having a clear boundary and opacity,rendering the dynamic display icon for display.

Embodiment 17 is the method of embodiments 15 or 16, wherein the atleast one attribute comprises at least one of shape, position, size,outline, color, opacity, transformation rate, transformation range, andshape intersection behavior.

Embodiment 18 is the method of any of embodiments 15 through 17, whereinthe step of applying at least one of randomization and fuzzy logic to atleast one attribute of the at least one generated graphical shape togenerate the dynamic display icon comprises applying at least one ofrandomization and fuzzy logic to a plurality of attributes of the atleast one generated graphical shape to generate the dynamic displayicon.

Embodiment 19 is the method of any of embodiments 15 through 18, whereinthe plurality of attributes comprises at least two of shape, position,size, outline, color, opacity, transformation rate, transformationrange, and shape intersection behavior.

Embodiment 20 is the method of any of embodiments 15 through 19, whereinthe dynamic display icon is continuously generated.

Embodiment 21 is the method of any of embodiments 15 through 20, whereinthe display device comprises a mobile communications device.

Embodiment 22 is the method of any of embodiments 15 through 21, whereinthe mobile communications device comprises at least one of a smartphone, tablet computer, and laptop computer.

Embodiment 23 is the method of any of embodiments 15 through 22, whereinthe subject geolocation data is received by a wireless communicationunit of the display device.

Embodiment 24 is the method of any of embodiments 15 through 23, whereinthe step of generating at least one graphical shape comprises generatinga plurality of graphical shapes.

Embodiment 25 is the method of any of embodiments 15 through 24, whereinat least a portion of the generated plurality of graphical shapesintersect one another to form a larger amorphous and/or asymmetricalshape.

Embodiment 26 is the method of any of embodiments 15 through 25, whereinthe amorphous shape and/or asymmetrical has a continuous outer boundary.

Embodiment 27 is the method of any of embodiments 15 through 26, whereinat least a portion of the generated plurality of graphical shapes isseparate from the larger amorphous and/or asymmetrical shape.

Any of the features or attributes of the above-described embodiments andvariations can be used in combination with any of the other features andattributes of the above-described embodiments and variations as desired.

From the foregoing disclosure and detailed description of certainpreferred embodiments, it is also apparent that various modifications,additions and other alternative embodiments are possible withoutdeparting from the true scope and spirit. The embodiments discussed werechosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principlesof the present invention and its practical application to thereby enableone of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in variousembodiments and with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations arewithin the scope of the present invention as determined by the appendedclaims when interpreted in accordance with the benefit to which they arefairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer program product embodied in anon-transitory computer readable storage medium on a user's computingdevice and comprising computer instructions for: receiving obfuscatedgeolocation data of a sender; recognizing the received geolocation dataof the sender as obfuscated; generating a dynamic display iconconfigured to represent the received obfuscated geolocation data andvisually communicate to the user that the received obfuscatedgeolocation data is obfuscated; and displaying, on a display unit of theuser's computing device, the generated dynamic display icon superimposedon a graphical mapping interface to visually communicate to the user:(1) the received obfuscated geolocation data of the sender; and (2) thatthe received obfuscated geolocation data of the sender is obfuscated;wherein the dynamic display icon is at least one of amorphous andasymmetrical.
 2. The computer program product of claim 1, whereingenerating the dynamic display icon comprises: generating at least onegraphical shape; applying at least one of randomization and fuzzy logicto at least one attribute of the at least one generated graphical shapeto generate the dynamic display icon; determining if the generateddynamic display icon is transforming with enough randomization or fuzzylogic behavior to continuously generate an amorphous or asymmetricalshape having a clear boundary and opacity; and upon determination thatthe generated dynamic display icon is transforming with enoughrandomization or fuzzy logic behavior to continuously generate anamorphous or asymmetrical shape having a clear boundary and opacity,rendering the dynamic display icon for display.
 3. The computer programproduct of claim 2, wherein the at least one attribute comprises atleast one of shape, position, size, outline, color, opacity,transformation rate, transformation range, and shape intersectionbehavior.
 4. The computer program product of claim 2, wherein the stepof applying at least one of randomization and fuzzy logic to at leastone attribute of the at least one generated graphical shape to generatethe dynamic display icon comprises applying at least one ofrandomization and fuzzy logic to a plurality of attributes of the atleast one generated graphical shape to generate a dynamic display icon.5. The computer program product of claim 4, wherein the plurality ofattributes comprises at least two of shape, position, size, outline,color, opacity, transformation rate, transformation range, and shapeintersection behavior.
 6. The computer program product of claim 1,wherein the computer program product is embodied in a memory unit of theuser's computing device.
 7. The computer program product of claim 1,wherein the dynamic display icon is continuously generated.
 8. Thecomputer program product of claim 1, wherein the user's computing devicecomprises a mobile computing device.
 9. The computer program product ofclaim 8, wherein the mobile computing device comprises at least one of asmart phone, tablet computer, and laptop computer.
 10. The computerprogram product of claim 1, wherein the obfuscated geolocation data ofthe sender is received by a wireless communication unit of the user'scomputing device.
 11. The computer program product of claim 2, whereinthe step of generating at least one graphical shape comprises generatinga plurality of graphical shapes.
 12. The computer program product ofclaim 11, wherein at least a portion of the generated plurality ofgraphical shapes intersect one another to form a larger amorphous orasymmetrical shape.
 13. The computer program product of claim 12,wherein the amorphous or asymmetrical shape has a continuous outerboundary.
 14. The computer program product of claim 11, wherein at leasta portion of the generated plurality of graphical shapes is separatefrom the larger amorphous or asymmetrical shape.
 15. A method forgenerating a dynamic display icon for use with a graphical mappinginterface, comprising: receiving obfuscated geolocation data of asender; recognizing the received obfuscated geolocation data of thesender as obfuscated; generating a dynamic display icon configured torepresent the received obfuscated geolocation data and visuallycommunicate to a user that the received obfuscated geolocation data isobfuscated; and displaying, on a display device, the generated dynamicdisplay icon superimposed on a graphical mapping interface to visuallycommunicate to the user: (1) the received obfuscated geolocation data ofthe sender; and (2) that the received obfuscated geolocation data of thesender is obfuscated; wherein the dynamic display icon is at least oneof amorphous and asymmetrical.
 16. The method of claim 15, whereingenerating the dynamic display icon comprises: generating at least onegraphical shape; applying at least one of randomization and fuzzy logicto at least one attribute of the at least one generated graphical shapeto generate the dynamic display icon; determining if the generateddynamic display icon is transforming with enough randomization or fuzzylogic behavior to continuously generate an amorphous or asymmetricalshape having a clear boundary and opacity; and upon determination thatthe generated dynamic display icon is transforming with enoughrandomization or fuzzy logic behavior to continuously generate anamorphous or asymmetrical shape having a clear boundary and opacity,rendering the dynamic display icon for display.
 17. The method of claim16, wherein the at least one attribute comprises at least one of shape,position, size, outline, color, opacity, transformation rate,transformation range, and shape intersection behavior.
 18. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the step of applying at least one of randomization andfuzzy logic to at least one attribute of the at least one generatedgraphical shape to generate the dynamic display icon comprises applyingat least one of randomization and fuzzy logic to a plurality ofattributes of the at least one generated graphical shape to generate thedynamic display icon.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the pluralityof attributes comprises at least two of shape, position, size, outline,color, opacity, transformation rate, transformation range, and shapeintersection behavior.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the dynamicdisplay icon is continuously generated.